Steelers giving DL Keeanu Benton franchise record contract

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Steelers giving DL Keeanu Benton franchise record contract

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Aug 14, 2026 11:24 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers locked in another key member of their roster on Friday night, reportedly agreeing to terms with defensive lineman Keeanu Benton on a four-year, $72 million contract extension.

It's a significant deal because it keeps Benton in Pittsburgh beyond his rookie contract and is also a record-setting contract for the franchise when it comes to defensive linemen.

Steelers give Keeanu Benton highest defensive line contract in franchise history

The $18 million average will make Benton the highest-paid defensive lineman in franchise history, putting him ahead of Cam Heyward.

The 25-year-old Benton was a second-round pick (No. 49 overall) by the Steelers in 2023 and has become a key part of their defensive front.

In three years, he has 7.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss and 28 quarterback hits.

The 2025 season was by far his most effective as a pass-rusher, finishing with career highs in sacks (5.5), tackles for loss (five) and quarterback hits (12).

Defensive tackle Keeanu Benton and the #Steelers have agreed to a four-year, $72M contract extension, sources say. This deal, worth $18M per year, will make Benton the highest paid DL in Steelers history.

The deal was negotiated by agent Joe DiBenedetto of @1OF1FOOTBALL. pic.twitter.com/TnfTWh5NkQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 15, 2026

He is the latest Steelers player to secure a long-term deal this offseason, joining edge-rusher Nick Herbig, tight end Darnell Washington and placekicker Chris Boswell.

The one player still waiting for a new deal, however, is starting cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

Porter Jr. has been seeking a new deal that could make him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL, but the two sides have not been able to hammer out a new deal yet. There was some question as to whether or not the Steelers could keep all of Benton, Herbig and Washington (all of whom came from the same draft class), and now they are going to have to figure out a way to see if they can.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on X @AGretz

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